A restored section of the lid of the iconic Etruscan Sarcophagus of the Spouses has been returned to its display case at the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia in Rome. The section encompasses the bare feet of the groom, the pointed toe-shoes of the bride and their lower half of their elaborately draped garments. This is the first glimpse of what the whole piece will look like when the restoration if complete. The contrast with the unrestored top half of the sarcophagus is a revelation.
The restored part is clearly distinguished from the sections that have not yet been restored thanks to the newfound hue of the original surface, which emerged after the cleaning that removed old protective layers and dirt deposits accumulated over time. In fact, the restoration revealed the original surface with the signs of workmanship and the remains of the engobe, preserving its patina and luster.
The sarcophagus, created around 520 B.C., was found in fragments and clamped back together in the late 19th century. After that initial work, the only other major conservation treatment took place 50 years ago. The varnishes have darkened and the corroded iron clamps pose a danger to the integrity of the terracotta. The new restoration project will be far more comprehensive. Full plaster of casts will be made of every section; it will be laser scanned to create a detailed 3D model and the old, corroded metal clamps replaced with carbon fiber.
Hands-on work began in May, starting with the legs and feet section. It was cleaned with cotton swabs, water and mild solvents, gentle and non-invasive, but strong enough to strip away the grey varnish to reveal the warm orange of the original earthenware. The restoration workshop has been open to the public twice a week, showing visitors how the conservation sausage is made.
The section of the basin of the sarcophagus that was underneath the legs and feet has been removed to the restoration laboratory, so the restored legs and feet were mounted on a temporary support.
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